Police: 2 teens wounded in northeast KC shooting

Teens involved in confrontation with other group

Kansas City police said they're looking into whether a shooting near Budd Park that injured two 16-year-olds was gang-related.

Police: 2 teens wounded in northeast KC shooting

Teens involved in confrontation with other group

Updated: 9:30 PM CST Dec 11, 2012

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

Two teenage boys were wounded in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in northeast Kansas City, police said.

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The shooting was reported just before 3 p.m. in the 100 block of Chelsea Avenue, which is in the vicinity of Budd Park.

Investigators said the victims were part of a group of three teenage boys were leaving the park when they encountered a group of five people.

"The suspects asked the victims if they had a problem," said Capt. Donna Greenwell of the Kansas City Police Department. "There didn't seem to be a beef or anything going on prior to that. One of the males pulled out a shotgun and shot two of the 16-year-olds."

Kansas City police said one victim suffered critical injuries and was undergoing surgery Tuesday afternoon at Children's Mercy Hospital. The second victim was also taken to the hospital with injuries police said where not life-threatening.

The names of the victims, have not yet been released.

Police said they're still looking into what may have prompted the shooting. They said they're investigating whether it may be gang-related.

"You know, it's not a comfortable feeling," said Jim Schorgl, who lives in the area. "We hear shots just about every night. Anywhere from 1:30 to 3:30 a.m. every night."

He said he grew up near the park and doesn't feel as safe there as he used to. He said he wasn't surprised to learn that a confrontation led to gunfire.

"The kids nowadays, they don't square off," he said. "They go to, whatever, for a weapon."

Police said they want to talk with the five people who confronted the boys. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.